- By Supratik Das
- Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Elon Musk, the head of Tesla and SpaceX, has once again sparked debate across the geopolitical and tech communities. Responding to a discussion on nuclear deterrence and governance, Musk warned that the world may be heading toward a large-scale war “in five years, ten at most.”
His short, blunt remark on X, formerly Twitter, came during a thread analysing how the absence of a credible threat between major powers has altered global governance standards. A user argued that nuclear weapons have removed external pressure on governments to remain competitive. Musk replied with a stark prediction: “War is inevitable. 5 years, 10 at most.”
The billionaire did not elaborate further, but the comment immediately drew global attention, partly due to his influence and partly because of his involvement in the US government’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Comments Amid Global Turmoil
Musk’s remark comes at a time when global tensions are at their highest in decades, spanning multiple regions. The prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine has triggered Europe’s biggest security crisis since the Cold War. Western military support for Kyiv continues, while Moscow’s warnings about “red lines” and nuclear posturing remain a major global concern.
On the other hand, South Asia is witnessing its own strain points, border stand-offs, political instability in Pakistan, and heightened rhetoric across the region. Thus, any miscalculations in this volatile neighbourhood could spill over quickly, especially as military modernisation accelerates. Tensions in the Indo-Pacific are also simmering as Beijing steps up military pressure on Taiwan. The U.S. has reaffirmed support for Taipei, fuelling fears of a confrontation between the world’s top two powers.
AI Chatbot Grok Adds Clues But No Clarity
Several users turned to Grok, Musk’s own AI system, seeking clarity on what exactly the billionaire hinted at. Grok pointed to Musk’s earlier warnings about possible civil unrest in Europe, demographic and migration pressures, and potential flashpoints involving the U.S., China, Russia, and NATO.
However, even Grok noted that Musk did not specify any country or incident, leaving the interpretation wide open. While Musk’s prediction is brief, it sparked a wider debate as governments worldwide are dealing with economic stress, political polarisation, and increasing militarisation.